‘I Will Leave’: Dak Prescott Announces Resignation from Dallas Cowboys Amidst Contract Restructure Discussions
Dallas, TX – December 8, 2024
In a shocking announcement this afternoon, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott declared he would be stepping away from the team, citing ongoing discussions surrounding a potential restructure of his contract. Prescott, who has been the face of the Cowboys’ offense since 2016, made the revelation in a press conference held at the team’s headquarters in Frisco.
“I’ve given everything I have to this organization, but at this point, I can no longer continue under these circumstances,” Prescott said, visibly emotional but resolute. “The Cowboys have been in talks with my representatives about restructuring my contract for months, but we’ve reached a point where I feel it’s best for me to step away from the game and focus on what’s next.”
The 31-year-old quarterback, who is currently in the midst of a four-year, $160 million contract signed in 2021, has been at the center of off-season negotiations regarding his salary and the team’s salary cap situation. While he has consistently performed at a high level, leading the Cowboys to multiple playoff appearances, Prescott’s future with the franchise has been in question following the team’s early postseason exits in recent years.
Contract Negotiations at the Heart of Decision
According to sources close to the team, Prescott’s decision to resign stems from frustrations surrounding contract talks that had begun earlier this year. While the Cowboys have been exploring options to free up salary cap space for upcoming seasons, Prescott’s representatives were reportedly unhappy with the team’s proposed terms, which included restructuring his deal to lower his immediate salary in exchange for future incentives.
“Negotiations have reached a breaking point,” Prescott continued. “I understand the business side of things, but it’s been a constant push-and-pull. The team is trying to plan for the future, but I can’t accept being asked to sacrifice what I believe my value is for the sake of cap flexibility.”
Prescott’s current contract includes a base salary of $40 million in 2024, with much of that money guaranteed. However, the Cowboys are facing a challenging financial situation, needing to re-sign key players and manage contracts for other stars on the roster. This has led to discussions about restructuring high-priced veterans like Prescott and linebacker Micah Parsons to free up cap room.
Cowboys’ Response and Immediate Future
The Cowboys organization has yet to comment officially on Prescott’s resignation, but sources within the front office suggest that team owner Jerry Jones and head coach Mike McCarthy were blindsided by the decision.
In a statement released by the team, Jones expressed his disappointment but also wished Prescott well in his future endeavors: “Dak Prescott has been a cornerstone of this franchise for nearly a decade, and we will forever be grateful for his leadership and contributions. We are exploring all options at this time and are committed to finding a path forward, both with our team and our future quarterback.”
The Cowboys, who are currently sitting at 8-4 on the season, now face the daunting task of finding a replacement for Prescott, who had become one of the most reliable and respected quarterbacks in franchise history. Backup QB Cooper Rush, who has had limited starting experience, is expected to take over in the short term, but the Cowboys will likely explore other options, including potential trades or free-agent signings, in the offseason.
A Legacy of Excellence
Dak Prescott’s departure marks the end of an era for the Cowboys. After being drafted in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL Draft, Prescott quickly became the face of the franchise. He led the Cowboys to four NFC East titles and made several playoff appearances, establishing himself as one of the top quarterbacks in the league.
Despite facing criticism during some of the team’s postseason failures, Prescott consistently put up impressive numbers and demonstrated leadership both on and off the field. He was named to the Pro Bowl multiple times and earned NFL Comeback Player of the Year honors in 2020 after recovering from a severe ankle injury.
Prescott’s legacy in Dallas is one of perseverance, professionalism, and high performance, but the looming financial issues and the team’s inability to make a deep playoff run in recent years have led to this dramatic decision.
What’s Next for Dak Prescott?
In his closing remarks, Prescott hinted at a potential future outside of football, mentioning his desire to focus on personal projects and business ventures. “I’ve always been more than just a football player,” he said. “Now, it’s time to explore other opportunities and see where the next chapter of my life takes me.”
Prescott’s resignation marks one of the most unexpected and dramatic moments in recent NFL history. As the Cowboys prepare for the rest of the season without their star quarterback, the future of the franchise and its legendary signal-caller remains uncertain.
